Iran is reportedly using small boats capable of carrying two to three sea mines to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In response to this, US President Trump commented on Tuesday, March 10th, stating that if Iran lays mines in the strait, it is better to remove them immediately to avoid unprecedented military consequences.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, transporting approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies.
President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying, “If Iran has laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz (though we have not received any reports about it yet), we want these mines to be cleared ‘immediately’!”
“If for any reason they laid mines, and they haven’t immediately cleared them, then the military consequences for Iran would be unprecedented,” the President said. “On the other hand, if they clear any potential mines that have been laid, it would be a significant step in the right direction!”
“Furthermore, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities to combat drug trafficking to thoroughly destroy any vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. They will be swiftly and severely struck. Stay tuned!” Trump added.
A few minutes later, the President posted again, stating, “I’m pleased to report that in the past few hours, we have struck and completely destroyed 10 unused minelayers and/or vessels, with more minelayers to be destroyed!”
According to CNN, two sources familiar with US intelligence revealed that Iran has started laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The sources mentioned that the scale of mining is not massive yet, with dozens of sea mines laid in recent days. However, one source indicated that Iran still retains 80% to 90% of small boats and minelayers, making it possible for them to lay hundreds of sea mines in the waterway.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran currently controls the Strait of Hormuz jointly with the traditional Iranian Navy. They have the capability to deploy a ‘line of defense’ consisting of dispersed minelayers, explosive-laden speedboats, and shore-based missile launchers.
The IRGC had previously warned that any vessels passing through the strait would come under attack. Since the outbreak of the Iran War on February 28th, the strait has effectively been closed, leading to an increase in oil prices.
CBS News also reported on Iran’s mine-laying activities. Multiple US officials revealed that Iran is using small boats, each capable of carrying two to three sea mines, to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Though the exact number of mines Iran possesses is unknown, estimates over the years indicate that Iran has around 2,000 to 6,000 sea mines, primarily manufactured by Iran, China, or Russia.
On Monday, March 9th, President Trump warned on Truth Social that if Iran takes any action to disrupt the oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will retaliate more forcefully than ever before.
During a press conference at the Pentagon on Tuesday morning, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the US Central Command responsible for conducting military operations against Iran would continue to search for and target “minesweeper vessels” and “sea mine storage facilities”.